NXP Semiconductors BC557,116

Overview

BC557,116 from NXP Semiconductors is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in TO-92 (SOT54) package, rated for −45 V V_CEO, −50 V V_CBO, −100 mA I_C, 500 mW P_tot, and featuring h_FE up to 800 at −2 mA/−5 V. It serves as a low-voltage, low-current switch or linear amplifier in discrete analog and digital interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC557,116 datasheet, BC557,116 pinout, BC557,116 application, or BC557,116 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified PNP polarity, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, DC current gain grading (BC557C variant), saturation voltage under defined drive conditions, and thermal resistance of 250 K/W on FR4 PCB.

Technical Context

The BC557,116 operates as a silicon PNP BJT with fixed emitter-base and collector-base junction structures optimized for general-purpose linear amplification and saturated switching. Its performance is characterized at T_amb = 25 °C, with V_BE = −650 mV typical at −2 mA/−5 V and V_CEsat = −300 mV max at −10 mA/−0.5 mA drive.

Thermal behavior follows a junction-to-ambient resistance of 250 K/W when mounted on FR4, and leakage currents are tightly specified: ICBO ≤ −15 nA at −30 V V_CB, IEBO ≤ −100 nA at −5 V V_EB. The transition frequency f_T is 100 MHz minimum at −5 V/−10 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC557,116 is housed in a plastic single-ended leaded (through-hole) TO-92 package, also designated SOT54 or SC-43A, with 3 leads and standardized mechanical dimensions per IEC outline.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP general-purpose transistor applications.

Compared with BC557,116, BC557B,116 offers controlled gain spread for predictable biasing, while MMBT557LT1G trades through-hole serviceability and thermal margin for board-area savings-neither is pin-compatible, and both require layout or thermal reassessment.

Availability

BC557,116 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio pre-amplifier stages, level-shifting interfaces, LED driver switches, and discrete logic inverters requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for BC557,116 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The BC557,116 belongs to NXP's legacy discrete transistors product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical general-purpose analog and switching functions in through-hole assembled equipment.

FAQ

What is the package type and lead configuration of BC557,116?

The BC557,116 uses a TO-92 plastic single-ended leaded package (also designated SOT54 or SC-43A), with three through-hole leads arranged in straight-line order: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector. This standardized outline ensures mechanical compatibility with legacy socketing and hand-soldering workflows.

Does BC557,116 have a specified h_FE range, and how does it vary by grade?

Yes - BC557,116 corresponds to the BC557 family, which includes h_FE grades: BC557 (unspecified or broad 125–800), BC557B (220–475), and BC557C (420–800). The ",116" suffix indicates NXP's tape-and-reel packaging code; actual h_FE must be confirmed per reel lot via test data or datasheet variant designation.

What are the absolute maximum ratings for BC557,116?

The BC557,116 has V_CBO = −50 V, V_CEO = −45 V, V_EBO = −5 V, I_C = −100 mA DC, I_CM = −200 mA peak, P_tot = 500 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C, and operating junction temperature up to 150 °C. These values define electrical and thermal boundaries beyond which permanent damage may occur.

Can BC557,116 be used as a direct replacement for BC556 in existing designs?

No - BC557,116 is not a direct replacement for BC556. While both are PNP transistors in TO-92, BC556 has higher voltage ratings (V_CEO = −65 V, V_CBO = −80 V) and lower h_FE ceiling (475 vs. 800). Substituting BC557,116 in a BC556 design risks overvoltage failure if the application stresses near BC556's absolute limits.

What is the thermal resistance and recommended PCB layout for BC557,116?

The BC557,116 has R_th(j-a) = 250 K/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB per NXP's test condition. No copper pour or thermal relief is required for ≤300 mW operation; however, increasing trace width to ≥2 mm on collector/emitter paths improves heat spreading. Avoid enclosing the TO-92 body in conformal coating unless derated.